The Kendall G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium was buzzing with excitement on October 26th as Bahamas Humane Society pups took the spotlight for the 1st Annual Puppy International Football Antics (PIFA) Puppy Bowl.

Sponsored by Pet Food Institute (PFI), the event was a joyful and energetic tournament with an aim to provide forever homes for animals while educating the public on keeping their pets healthy and happy.

Kelly Kanaras, a representative from PFI in the U.S., said, “Every pet deserves the best care that their owners can provide. That’s why PFI is committed to educating consumers on the importance of complete and balanced nutrition to pet health and wellness. U.S. pet food provides quality and safe nutrition to pets.”

PIFA’s Puppy Bowl tournament, inspired by the NFL Super Bowl, featured a thrilling game of soccer between four teams of pups who ‘play’ for the win, and a few tasty treats.

Hope Sealey, The Bahamas’ spokesperson for PFI, highlighted the significance of such events in the community. “The Puppy Bowl is more than just a game, it’s an opportunity to bring awareness about the importance animal adoption and safety.”

The dogs, however, were not the only ones enjoying a bit of competition. Spectators of all ages joined in on the fun as well. A specially designed obstacle course invited audience members to test their own agility and for younger attendees, a TikTok dance competition brought its own level of excitement.

Attendees also got a chance to meet the four-legged athletes after the game, giving them an opportunity to experience the joy that comes with having a puppy companion.

“It was wonderful to see people come out to support these animals and show interest in giving them loving homes. Seeing these animals interact with potential families is truly heartwarming,” Sealey said.

The Bahamas Humane Society has long been dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals and a helping hand is always needed. You can visit https://www.bahamashumane.org to become a volunteer or to adopt a furry friend.

ABOUT PET FOOD INSTITUTE
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) is a non-profit organization that has been committed to helping dogs and cats live long and healthy lives for over 60 years. PFI members make the vast majority of all U.S. pet food and treat products. As the voice of U.S. pet food makers, Pet Food Institute provides information about pet food safety, nutrition and health to pet lovers. The organization works throughout the Caribbean region, particularly The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and The Turks & Caicos Islands, promoting wellness and nutrition for dog and cat enthusiasts.

The Kendall G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium was buzzing with excitement on October 26th as Bahamas Humane Society pups took the spotlight for the 1st Annual Puppy International Football Antics (PIFA) Puppy Bowl. Sponsored by Pet Food Institute (PFI), the event was a joyful and energetic tournament with an aim to provide forever homes for animals while educating the public on keeping their pets healthy and happy. Kelly Kanaras, a representative from PFI in the U.S., said, “Every pet deserves the best care that their owners can provide. That’s why PFI is committed to educating consumers on the importance of complete and balanced nutrition to pet health and wellness. U.S. pet food provides quality and safe nutrition to pets.” PIFA’s Puppy Bowl tournament, inspired by the NFL Super Bowl, featured a thrilling game of soccer between four teams of pups who ‘play’ for the win, and a few tasty treats. Hope Sealey, The Bahamas’ spokesperson for PFI, highlighted the significance of such events in the community. “The Puppy Bowl is more than just a game, it’s an opportunity to bring awareness about the importance animal adoption and safety.” The dogs, however, were not the only ones enjoying a bit of competition. Spectators of all ages joined in on the fun as well. A specially designed obstacle course invited audience members to test their own agility and for younger attendees, a TikTok dance competition brought its own level of excitement. Attendees also got a chance to meet the four-legged athletes after the game, giving them an opportunity to experience the joy that comes with having a puppy companion. “It was wonderful to see people come out to support these animals and show interest in giving them loving homes. Seeing these animals interact with potential families is truly heartwarming,” Sealey said. The Bahamas Humane Society has long been dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals and a helping hand is always needed. You can visit https://www.bahamashumane.org to become a volunteer or to adopt a furry friend. ABOUT PET FOOD INSTITUTE The Pet Food Institute (PFI) is a non-profit organization that has been committed to helping dogs and cats live long and healthy lives for over 60 years. PFI members make the vast majority of all U.S. pet food and treat products. As the voice of U.S. pet food makers, Pet Food Institute provides information about pet food safety, nutrition and health to pet lovers. The organization works throughout the Caribbean region, particularly The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and The Turks & Caicos Islands, promoting wellness and nutrition for dog and cat enthusiasts.

Sandra Buckner is a past-President of The Bahamas National Trust and chaired its Wildlife Committee from 1994 to 2005. She was the co-chair of the IUCN SSC West Indian Iguana Specialist Group, and has remained a member since it expanded to become the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group. Her personal interest is the history of herpetology in The Bahamas (Lucayan) archipelago, and the distribution of endemic species of reptiles throughout the islands.

Mrs. Buckner will be leading a public lecture hosted by the BNT on distinguishing the native Central Bahamian Rock Iguana from the highly invasive Green Iguana on May 29 at 6pm at The Retreat on Village Road.

Sandra Buckner is a past-President of The Bahamas National Trust and chaired its Wildlife Committee from 1994 to 2005. She was the co-chair of the IUCN SSC West Indian Iguana Specialist Group, and has remained a member since it expanded to become the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group. Her personal interest is the history of herpetology in The Bahamas (Lucayan) archipelago, and the distribution of endemic species of reptiles throughout the islands. Mrs. Buckner will be leading a public lecture hosted by the BNT on distinguishing the native Central Bahamian Rock Iguana from the highly invasive Green Iguana on May 29 at 6pm at The Retreat on Village Road.

An increasing population of aggressive, straying dogs is a growing issue on Grand Bahama, according to police, especially for the residents of Greening Glade after a dog-on-dog attack involving a German shepherd mix and two pit bulls on Albacore Drive on September 8.

The owner of the German shepherd mix, Chervita Campbell, claimed that her dog, while in her front yard, was bitten when it attempted to distract the two pit bulls from attacking a passerby.

"These pit bulls attacked him; they went straight for the neck and put him down to the ground. They just wouldn't let go," Campbell said.

"We tried everything to get them off. We were just throwing anything we could. Our neighbors had to come with their vehicles to rush them out of our yard."

Campbell said her dog suffered bites to its ears, neck, chest, and two legs which left it with a limp.

She alleged that the dogs belong to someone and still reside in the area.

Campbell also said the attack, which came months after an incident on March 17 when three pit bulls mauled a woman, severely injuring her - has made other residents afraid of going outside.

The attack prompted the Ministry for Grand Bahama's community-focused unit, Collab, to hold a meeting on March 21 with the Humane Society of Grand Bahama, the Royal Bahamas Police Force's K-9 Division and the Department of Agriculture.

Collab Project Manager Jacquie Rolle explained that the meeting was a start aimed at creating long-term solutions.

Rolle said, "We are still in preparation mode of being able to come up with some viable solutions. We also want to hear from the community, so we're still trying to put something forward in the near future."

In an August 2, ZNS Northern Service report, Royal Bahamas Police Force K-9 Division Inspector Lamont Davis said there has been an uptick in dog attacks particularly with pit bulls.

"Persons have already gone to court and [are] being charged with fines ranging from $500 to $2,000 for allowing these animals to roam free and, in some cases, to actually bite and attack persons," he said.

He warned that there can be serious consequences when owners allow an animal to roam freely as they can be charged with grievous harm or manslaughter by neglect.

Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB) Executive Director Elizabeth "Tip" Burrows said stray dogs were always an issue that was made worse by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in West Grand Bahama.

Burrows explained that the storm left many dogs homeless or dog owners unable to contain their pets due to property damage from the storm, then the pandemic and accompanying lockdowns led other locals to acquire in new pets that are not being contained or controlled.

She said HSGB has been receiving 20 to 30 calls each week.

"We have seen a slight increase in people reporting being chased by dogs or feeling threatened," Burrows said.

"There have been some dog bites, and I believe we don't hear about all of them."

Burrows added that the HGSB is unable to properly address these issues due to the facility being overpopulated with 110 dogs and strained financially as 63 percent of the nonprofit's budget is gained through donations and fundraising, which have recently slowed down.

When asked about the increasing aggression in dogs, Burrows said constant and unethical mixing of breeds can lead to unpredictable dog behaviors.

She also noted a lack of education on particular breeds and the irresponsible selling of dogs can result in them being improperly trained or mistreated.

Dr. James Crosby, an International Veterinary Forensic Science Association member with past experience with the Bahamas Humane Society, said dog aggression is a result of poor socialization, negative experiences with humans, and scarcity of resources.

"If they're not being cared for and they don't have access to proper food and resources, then they understandably can display some aggressive behavior in order to fulfill their needs," Crosby said.

In the United Kingdom, the government recently enacted a ban on American XL Bully dogs to take effect at the end of the year, after numerous attacks including nine fatalities in the past two years.

The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture has banned the importation of the Presa Canario, Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino.

However, Burrows and Crosby argue against such bans, saying they victimize specific breeds unfairly.

Crosby said, "Overall dog behavior is pretty consistent across all of the breeds. The problem is that we have an awful lot of people that don't understand basic dog behavior.

"Both the legislature and law keepers, they have to be more invested in animal welfare as this is a human issue. The more informed and invested they are, the better off both the citizens and animals will be."

Burrows suggested that microchipping and a centralized pet registry would hold negligent pet owners accountable and that the breeding of dogs should be heavily regulated.

Crosby and Burrows also advocate for frequent spaying and neutering of pets, more government funding, pet-related educational courses, stiffer penalties, and a follow through of the 2010 Animal Protection and Control Act which would allow stakeholders to collaboratively address animal welfare head-on.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs and the Bahamas Alliance for Animal's Rights and Kindness (BAARK) is being called a major milestone in the push for the  protection of animals in the country.  

The MOU was signed July 13, 2023 at the Ministry's headquarters on East Bay Street.  Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting gave the media an overview of the agreement.

The Memorandum of Understanding is for the establishment of the Nassau Animal Sanctuary, said MInister Sweeting. "The sanctuary will be placed on more than three acres of property leased by BAARK.  For more than 14 years, BAARK, a non-profit organization, has focused on carrying out numerous Spay and Neuter and educational projects throughout The Bahamas with the aim to reduce homeless animal production, and end the suffering of cats and dogs throughout our country."

The Minster noted that, to date, BAARK has successfully spayed or neutered over 23,000 dogs and cats. This MOU, he said, showcases BAARK's dedication and commitment to providing a safe haven for animals in need.

"BAARK's efforts will not only contribute to the welfare of these animals but will also raise awareness about the importance of kindness and compassion towards all living beings," he said. "This sanctuary will serve as a refuge for animals that have been neglected, abused, abandoned or have special needs. It will provide them with a loving and caring environment with food, the necessary medical attention and rehabilitation." Additionally, he said the other objective is for the sanctuary to serve as an educational facility, raising awareness about the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. 

"We are looking forward to seeing educational workshops with the local community, teaching them about proper care, compassion and respect towards animals," said Minister Sweeting. "By doing so, the sanctuary will play a crucial role in promoting a more compassionate and empathetic society."

The Minster ended by saying that he hopes the sanctuary will be able to attract more volunteers and supporters from the Bahamas and throughout the world. 

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs and the Bahamas Alliance for Animal's Rights and Kindness (BAARK) is being called a major milestone in the push for the  protection of animals in the country.   The MOU was signed July 13, 2023 at the Ministry's headquarters on East Bay Street.  Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting gave the media an overview of the agreement. The Memorandum of Understanding is for the establishment of the Nassau Animal Sanctuary, said MInister Sweeting. "The sanctuary will be placed on more than three acres of property leased by BAARK.  For more than 14 years, BAARK, a non-profit organization, has focused on carrying out numerous Spay and Neuter and educational projects throughout The Bahamas with the aim to reduce homeless animal production, and end the suffering of cats and dogs throughout our country." The Minster noted that, to date, BAARK has successfully spayed or neutered over 23,000 dogs and cats. This MOU, he said, showcases BAARK's dedication and commitment to providing a safe haven for animals in need. "BAARK's efforts will not only contribute to the welfare of these animals but will also raise awareness about the importance of kindness and compassion towards all living beings," he said. "This sanctuary will serve as a refuge for animals that have been neglected, abused, abandoned or have special needs. It will provide them with a loving and caring environment with food, the necessary medical attention and rehabilitation." Additionally, he said the other objective is for the sanctuary to serve as an educational facility, raising awareness about the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.  "We are looking forward to seeing educational workshops with the local community, teaching them about proper care, compassion and respect towards animals," said Minister Sweeting. "By doing so, the sanctuary will play a crucial role in promoting a more compassionate and empathetic society." The Minster ended by saying that he hopes the sanctuary will be able to attract more volunteers and supporters from the Bahamas and throughout the world.